A British winter certainly demands plenty of cozy nooks to hide from the brutal bite of the wind, but as each day goes by we are edging ever closer to spring. Yes, the trees are blossoming and the sun is shining – granted, intermittently – but what is an English spring without a little rain? Lately, Oxford has had an influx of independent cafés offering the aesthetic trappings vital for those seeking solace or inspiration over their laptops. With the seasons changing, it’s time to start ordering your coffee ‘to go’, so indulge yourself in our connoisseur’ guide for the spring (without a Costa or Starbucks in sight).

Tucked away in the maze that is Oxford's Covered Market sits a little piece of Colombia. Strategically placed opposite Ben’s Cookies, the aromatic flavours of the Colombia Coffee Roasters are hard to miss. Glass walls and wooden furniture with crocus bags of coffee beans adorning the corners, this humble setting makes for a great pit-stop on any day. And of course, the classic latte is hard to beat. However, if you find yourself craving a little indulgence, the Colombia Coffee Roaster’s Mochaccino should be your poison. Made with chocolate (100% cacao) and cappuccino, this deliciously, rich blend of authentic Colombian coffee and cacao makes each sip remarkable and invests a new energy in your day.

Heading across town and through the crowds of Gloucester Green? Why not take a peep in the family owned Combibos Coffee shop? While a morning without a caffeine kick can often leave me twitching, I’m aware that not everyone enjoys a life where they are bound to the dark powder. So why not kick-start your addiction by trying one of the best chai lattes around. Warm, homey, and delicious, the vanilla-flavoured, spiced drink is the caffeine-free comrade you need as you wander the streets of this glorious city. Always brimming with regulars and guaranteed to satisfy your every desire (food and drink related only), Combibos offers meals and light bites to accompany your hot beverage.

A staple on the Oxford coffee scene and perfectly nestled along Turl Street, the Missing Bean roasts its own beans. Their coffee is a “Brazilian yellow bourbon bean, medium to dark roasted” and has a distinct earthy taste and aroma. Keen to share their love of coffee with Oxonians, the owners Ori and Vicky hold a ‘cupping night’ every first Thursday of the month (think of it as a wine tasting, but without the alcohol).

Originally based in Jericho (hence the name), Jericho Coffee Traders have recently packed up shop and moved to the High Street. JCT supplies many Oxford cafes with wholesale coffee beans including Barefoot Bakery in Jericho, Turl Street Kitchen and the Society Café. Clearly a favourite among us locals, for a serious coffee fiend you can't complain that you don't have your pick of locations for grabbing a bag of your perfect blend to take home.

Little Clarendon Street has always been the city's 'in' street, and with plenty of places to grab a bite or a cheeky cocktail it’s hard to keep away (or leave). Now, the Natural Bread Company has made it their home too, which is good news for those who like their lattes bright, mellow and creamy, but still packing enough punch to hit the spot.